Successful companies depend on leaders who know how to build solid teams, efficient processes and an organizational culture that thrives independently. Contrary to the belief that good leaders are indispensable, the idea of becoming “dispensable” can be the real differentiator to ensure sustainable growth and business scalability.
A Gallup study revealed that 70% of variation in employee engagement is directly linked to leadership quality. Additionally, companies that empower their teams to operate autonomously can grow up to 25% faster, according to data from the Harvard Business Review.However, achieving this level of self-sufficiency requires more than just good intentions.
Jhonny Martins, vice president of SERAC, a reference corporate solutions hub in the accounting, legal, educational and technology areas, highlights that delegating responsibilities and developing the potential of employees are fundamental steps to create a company that works without relying exclusively on the presence of the leader.“A truly effective leader is not one that centralizes all decisions, but what builds a solid foundation for the business to thrive independently. This strengthens not only the team, but also the ability of the company to face challenges and adapt to CHANGES”, he says.
For Jhonny, being a expendable leader does not mean being irrelevant, but indispensable for the evolution of the team and the organization. “By structuring an autonomous team, the leader allows the company to focus on growth and innovation, without being stuck in the daily operation.Leadership that centralizes everything limits the potential of the business. Already those who share the protagonism create a resilient organization ready to grow in a sustainable manner”, evaluates Jhonny.
At SERAC, the executive says he seeks to lead by example, applying strategies to foster a work environment that combines efficiency, innovation and collaboration.“Ser a expendable leader is one of the greatest virtues for those who want to leave a legacy and build a company prepared for the future”, he concludes.
Check out some practices suggested by Jhonny Martins that can help any leadership to stimulate the independence and efficiency of the team:
- Delegate with purpose: It is essential that each delegated task is accompanied by clear objectives, context and autonomy, allowing employees to develop solutions with confidence.
- Structuring robust processes: Creating well-defined workflows ensures that the team knows what to do even in the absence of the leader, reducing reliance on immediate decisions.
- Investing in continuous development: “Enabling employees is the best investment a leader can make. Trainings, regular feedback and mentoring help raise the level of competence and self-confidence of the” team, explains Jhonny.
- Recognize and encourage emerging leadership: Identifying talent within the team and fostering internal growth strengthens organizational culture and creates a more diverse leadership structure.